Very, very satisfying performance. The more so in that we weren't particularly good, but we always had too much in the tank for a much improved Magpie side. That's exactly the sort of business-as-usual performance that signals serious title contenders (or should that be defenders?). We've hit the ground running.
Couple of details though. The BBC site thinks that Jovetic was more or less brilliant. Sorry, but I didn't see that match. I thought his first and second touch was often poor, and if this sounds harsh, he is exactly the player that I'm expecting the biggest things of this season.
Dzeko's backheel. Exquisite. Dzeko often looked as though he wasn't sure that Mancini rated him. Only a man who's very comfortable in his skin attempts gestures like that. As many have said, MOTM.
Silva: always holding, always probing. By God but we're lucky to have him!
Aguero: it was the coolness with which he took that second bite of the cherry that was astounding. Sheer, 22 carat, class.
LIverpool didn"t do anything today that frightened me. They were decidedly lucky to come out of it with the three points. All credit to Saints who, for my money, dominated the second half. They were worth at least a point, with better finishing, all three. Sterling needs watching — the lad's good, no doubt about it. MDM is a good reader of the ball when it's coming at him in the air, but he gets done by players like Sterling. Someone else to deal with the Sterling/Sturridge problem, please.
Monday? Bring it on.
